Service Plays Wednesday 5/15/13

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Wednesday's NBA playoff action: What bettors need to know

Chicago Bulls at Miami Heat (-14.5, 182)

Miami leads series 3-1.

The Miami Heat are one win away from advancing to the Eastern Conference finals and can seal the deal Wednesday when they host the beleaguered Chicago Bulls in Game 5. Miami has won the last three games by an average of 23.3 points and routed the Bulls 88-65 in Monday’s game to take a 3-1 series lead. Chicago appeared worn down and shot a franchise playoff-low 25.7 percent from the field in a poor effort.

The 65 points were also a franchise postseason low for a squad that has been hindered by the absences of forward Luol Deng (complications from a spinal tap) and point guard Kirk Hinrich (calf). Former MVP Derrick Rose (knee) never opted to suit up despite being medically cleared two months ago, and Nate Robinson finally hit the wall with a 0-for-12 shooting effort in Game 4. “We have nothing to lose and everything to gain,” Robinson said after Game 4. “Everyone said we wouldn’t win a game. We got one. We believe we can win the series.” Miami coach Erik Spoelstra refuses to believe Chicago is spent and done mounting a threat. “You don’t want to give this team second life,” Spoelstra said. “They’re far too dangerous for that type of mentality because they just continue to grind and they compete and we know that. We respect that.”

TV: 7 p.m. ET, TNT

ABOUT THE BULLS: Chicago’s porous Game 4 showing bottomed out with a nine-point third quarter, the lowest output in the franchise’s playoff history. The starting five was a combined 11-of-50 from the field as the Bulls scoring average in the series dropped to 82.5. “We got a little discouraged and we can’t let that happen,” center Joakim Noah said afterward. “We did not play very well. We did not execute very well. We can’t put our heads down. We know we can compete with this team.” Veteran guard Richard Hamilton saw his first action in the series with 11 points in 22 minutes. Hamilton had been banished deep on the bench despite all the injuries.

ABOUT THE HEAT: Miami’s dominance in the series has been done with minimal contributions from standout guard Dwyane Wade. A badly bruised right knee has severely diminished Wade’s ability to play at a high level and he is averaging only 11.3 points after scoring just six points on 3-of-10 shooting in Game 4. “It’s just frustrating at times, but just try to do what you can,” Wade said. “Sometimes it feels good, sometimes it doesn’t. You can’t predict it.” Wade’s condition is one of the reasons why the Heat would like to finish the series Wednesday and give Wade time to rest the knee while awaiting the start of the conference finals.

TRENDS:

* Bulls are 2-5 ATS in their last 7 games overall.
* Heat are 17-5 ATS in their last 22 games overall.
* Under is 10-1 in Bulls last 11 games following a double-digit loss at home.
* Bulls are 1-4 ATS in the last 5 meetings.

BUZZER BEATERS

1. The Heat have won each of their last five closeout playoff games by double digits.

2. Chicago’s 65 points in Game 4 were the second fewest Miami has allowed in a playoff game.

3. Miami F LeBron James is averaging 23.8 points, 7.8 assists, seven rebounds and 2.3 steals in the series.


Memphis Grizzlies at Oklahoma City Thunder (-4, 185)

Memphis leads series 3-1.

The Memphis Grizzlies have never been to the Western Conference finals. Memphis can get there for the first time if it can defeat the host Oklahoma City Thunder in Wednesday’s Game 5 of their conference semifinal series. The Grizzlies have won three straight games after a Game 1 loss while taking advantage of an Oklahoma City squad missing Russell Westbrook. The Thunder lost three consecutive games just once during the regular season and never lost four straight.

Forward Kevin Durant has tried to carry the Thunder without Westbrook (knee) and he will need three more yeoman efforts if Oklahoma City is to overcome its deficit. “One thing about Kevin, he’s going to come back and give everything he has,” Thunder coach Scott Brooks said. “He’s not an excuse guy. He’s not going to blame anything on nobody, other than put the pressure on himself to perform.” Memphis lost a seven-game series to the Thunder two seasons ago and isn’t about to let up with Oklahoma City on the brink of elimination. The Grizzlies overcame a 17-point deficit to win Game 4 in overtime. “We are a team that just plays hard and doesn’t quit,” Memphis coach Lionel Hollins said afterward. “We scratch, we claw.”

TV: 9:30 p.m. ET, TNT

ABOUT THE GRIZZLIES: Center Marc Gasol was named NBA Defensive Player of the Year last month but somehow only earned a second-team spot on the All-Defensive team selected by the NBA coaches that was released Monday. Gasol seemed to draw motivation from the snub by blocking six shots to go with 23 points and 11 rebounds in Game 4. Gasol is in the midst of an outstanding series, scoring 20 or more points in all four games while averaging 21.8 points and 8.8 rebounds. Power forward Zach Randolph had his best game of the series with 23 points and 12 rebounds and the Grizzlies are hard to beat when Randolph and Gasol both get double-doubles in the same game. Point guard Mike Conley is averaging 19.3 points but has made just one-third of his shots in three of the four games.

ABOUT THE THUNDER: Power forward Serge Ibaka is coming off his best game of the series and has two straight double-doubles after shooting 6-for-22 over the first two games. Ibaka had 17 points and 14 rebounds in Game 4 to help take some scoring pressure off Durant. “We need his scoring, we need his shooting and I thought this last game was good,” Brooks said. “Hopefully we can get it again.” Durant is averaging 30.8 points and 11 rebounds in the series but was just 10-for-27 in Monday’s loss. Durant faded down the stretch and Derek Fisher’s 3-pointer was Oklahoma City’s lone points of the overtime.

TRENDS:

* Grizzlies are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 road games.
* Thunder are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 home games.
* Under is 21-7-2 in Thunder last 30 overall.
* Road team is 8-3 ATS in the last 11 meetings.

BUZZER BEATERS

1. Oklahoma City averaged 105.7 points during the regular season but is averaging just 91 in this series.

2. Memphis has won an NBA-leading 11 games when trailing by at least 17 points since the start of the 2009-10 campaign.

3. Thunder PG Reggie Jackson is averaging 13.3 points in the series as Westbrook’s replacement in the starting lineup.

Heat Look to Finish Off Chicago at Home Wednesday

Eastern Conference Semifinals
Game 5 - Miami leads series 3-1
Tip-off: Wednesday, 7:00 p.m. ET
Line: Miami -14, Total: 182

The Miami Heat can advance to the Eastern Conference Finals with a home win over the Bulls on Wednesday night in Game 5.

After splitting the first two games of series when playing in Miami, the Heat went into Chicago and took care of business by winning both games at United Center, including an 88-65 blowout in Monday's Game 4. Since dropping Game 1 at home, Miami has now covered in three straight games (outscoring the Bulls by 70 points) to improve to 6-2 ATS during this year's playoffs. The Bulls, on the other hand, are just 4-7 ATS since the playoffs began. During the regular season, Heat were 37-4 SU, but a mediocre 22-19 ATS when playing at AmericanAirlines Arena. Chicago has been a strong road team this season at 24-23 SU (26-20 ATS), but is 2-3 ATS in its past five trips to Miami. After getting a spinal tap to test for meningitis, Bulls star SF Luol Deng was active for Game 4 but he did not play any minutes. He could see his first action of the series in Game 5, but PG Kirk Hinrich (calf) is doubtful. Heat SG Dwyane Wade hasn't been 100 percent because of a knee injury, but he is expected to start on Wednesday night.

The Bulls really struggled to score the basketball in Game 4 and really missed PG Kirk Hinrich and SF Luol Deng. Chicago shot just 25.7% FG, including 2-of-17 threes (12%). The starting backcourt of PG Nate Robinson and SG Marco Belinelli failed to show up, as they were completely shut down by Miami’s defense. Robinson didn’t have a single point in the game (0-for-12 FG, 0-for-5 threes) after carrying the Bulls offense at times in these playoffs. Belinelli netted just nine points (3-of-8 FG, 0-of-5 threes) with a minus-21 rating in 26 minutes. Chicago’s leading scorer was PF Carlos Boozer, who had 14 points on a dreadful 3-of-14 shooting, but he did have a game-high 12 rebounds (5 offensive) in 32 minutes. Most of Boozer’s points, however, came from the free throw line where he was 8-of-12. SG Richard Hamilton played 22 minutes off the bench in Game 4, finishing with 11 points (4-of-11 FG, 2-of-3 threes) and four assists in the contest. Chicago could use a boost from SF Luol Deng next game, but with the series heading back to Miami down 3-1, Chicago will need a miracle to come back and win.

After dropping Game 1 in Miami, the Heat have now won three straight games and they have done so behind the excellent play of LeBron James. In Game 4, James was all over the court as he poured in 27 points (9-of-20 FG), eight assists, seven rebounds and two steals. Outside of James, PF Chris Bosh was the only other Heat player to score in double-digits, finishing with 14 points (7-of-10 FG), six rebounds and an impressive four blocks in 35 minutes. The duo combined for a +48 rating on Wednesday. The Heat are going to need to get SG Dwyane Wade going if they are going to repeat as NBA champions. Wade scored just six points (3-of-10 FG) in Game 4 and is averaging just 12.3 PPG this postseason as he deals with a sore right knee. Wade appeared to re-injure the knee on Wednesday, but he is listed as probable for Game 5.

Thunder Try to Extend Their Season Wednesday

Western Conference Semifinals
Game 5 - Memphis leads series 3-1
Tip-off: Wednesday, 9:35 p.m. ET
Line: Oklahoma City -4.5, Total: 189.5

After pulling off a mammoth comeback in Game 4, the Grizzlies will try to advance to the Western Conference Finals Wednesday by eliminating the Thunder at Chesapeake Energy Arena.

Oklahoma City led Memphis by 17 points in the second quarter and 12 points in the third quarter of Game 4, but could not hold on to the big leads and lost 103-97 in overtime, making just 1-of-8 FG in the extra session. This was the third straight loss for the Thunder, who fell to 2-5 SU and 1-6 ATS in their past seven games. The Grizzlies are now 7-1 SU in their past eight contests, and have rolled up nine consecutive ATS victories. Although the Thunder have been tremendous at home this season (37-9 SU and 28-18 ATS, 61%), Memphis is one of the better road teams in the NBA at 26-20 SU and 28-17 ATS (62%). Despite three straight losses, Oklahoma City has been quite resilient this season, going 19-7 SU and 17-9 ATS (65%) following an SU defeat, and the club is also 42-18 SU and 34-25-1 ATS (58%) with one day of rest. However, the Grizzlies are an impressive 38-22-2 ATS (63%) after an SU win, and a whopping 68% ATS (34-16-2 ATS) with just one day of rest this season.

The Grizzlies have won three in a row despite terrible shooting percentages in all three wins (41.9% FG, 40.5% FG and 40.4% FG). For the series, they are scoring just 95.0 PPG on 41.4% FG and 32.3% threes. But they have done a solid job of protecting the basketball with a 1.6 Ast/TO ratio (17.3 APG, 10.5 TOPG), which includes 18 assists and just seven turnovers in Game 4. Memphis also produced eight steals on Monday to increase its series average to 7.8 SPG. The Grizzlies continue to rely on three players to do the bulk of their scoring. C Marc Gasol (21.8 PPG, 8.8 RPG, 3.0 APG, 2.8 BPG) has been the best player for Memphis this series, and is coming off a monster 23-point, 11-rebound, 6-block outburst in Game 4. PG Mike Conley (19.3 PPG, 6.3 RPG, 5.8 APG in series) has also shined in the absence of Thunder All-Star PG Russell Westbrook guarding him. Conley led his team with 24 points on Monday and added five assists, four steals and three rebounds in his 48 minutes. PF Zach Randolph (16.0 PPG, 10.0 RPG in series) bounced back from a mere eight points in Game 3 with an enormous effort on Monday when he finished with 23 points, 12 rebounds (6 offensive), three assists and +9 rating. The other double-digit scorer in Game 4 was SG Tony Allen who contributed a solid 10 points (5-of-9 FG), six rebounds and three steals. Although top reserve PG Jerryd Bayless made just 3-of-9 shots, he was still able to post a game-best +18 rating.

Oklahoma City has really struggled to run its offense this series without injured PG Russell Westbrook, averaging only 91.0 PPG on 40.7% FG and 36.4% threes as a team. In the first round of the postseason, the Thunder produced 105.8 PPG on 45% FG and 36% threes over the six games versus Houston. They also have more turnovers (15.0 TOPG) than assists (14.8 APG) in this series versus Memphis. SF Kevin Durant (30.8 PPG, 11.0 RPG, 6.8 APG in series) has carried the Thunder all postseason, and led all scorers with 27 points in Game 4, but he made just 2-of-13 shots after the third quarter. Despite the cold spell, Durant has still made 46% FG, 42% threes and 79% FT for the series. PF Serge Ibaka (11.5 PPG, 8.5 RPG, 3.3 BPG in series) had his best game of the series on Wednesday with 17 points, 14 rebounds and three blocks. He made 6-of-13 FG, which was quite an improvement from his 31% FG clip in Games 1-3. PG Reggie Jackson (13.3 PPG, 5.5 RPG, 3.5 APG in series) scored 15 points on 6-of-8 shooting, and produced more assists in Game 4 (eight) than he did in the first three games of the series combined (six). SG Kevin Martin (15.5 PPG, 4.0 RPG in series) also snapped out of a two-game shooting funk (8-for-28 FG), by scoring 18 points on 6-of-12 shooting, while adding five boards and a team-best +6 rating. PG Derek Fisher (9.5 PPG in series) was ice-cold though, making 1-of-5 shots (1-of-4 threes) and failing to record a single assist. He has now played 104 minutes in this series and has recorded just one lousy assist.

Three Teams Books Don't Want to Win the NBA Championship
by Jason Logan

Earlier this season, we asked sportsbooks both online and in Nevada which NBA teams would do the most damage to the futures book if they won the NBA Championship.

Just about every book said the Los Angeles Lakers, but as we all know, that ain’t happening. But there were a few teams mentioned that are still in the postseason hunt as well as some new threats building for books as the playoffs march on.

Here are three teams that books are cheering against during the NBA playoffs:

Miami Heat (Currently -275 to -400)

The reigning NBA champs vary in price depending how much that futures book has riding on the Heat. Miami entered the year as the favorite to repeat and hasn’t swayed much in terms of title odds. That hasn’t stopped bettors from forking over the dough on Miami’s hefty futures price.

“Right now we are in a great position on everyone except Miami,” Jeff Sherman, assistant manager at the LVH Superbook in Las Vegas. “Since the playoffs started, kids have been laying -300 and -350 non-stop on them. It's not enough that we won't be able to maneuver our position when it gets to the NBA Finals though.”

Online sportsbooks are also feeling the heat from the Heat. UWin offered Miami as high as +300 during the offseason and bettors took a big bite of that action.

“We’re almost resigned to the fact that Miami will stroll to the defense of their title,” Russ Candler of UWin. “We dangled a carrot preseason by offering +300 that they’d win and by the time March came around they decided to have another crack at them. So, needless to say, we’re sitting here with our pants around our ankles.”

Golden State Warriors (Currently +2,500 to +2,000)

The MGM Mirage was rooting against the Indiana Pacers back in February, but now the tables have turned and the Warriors have become the biggest threat to their futures book. Golden State, which was as high as 100-1 this season, has drawn a lot of attention during its improbable playoff run.

“The Warriors would be a small loser for us,” Jeff Stoneback, sportsbook manager at the MGM Mirage. “We had them up around 100-1 but have brought them down to 20-1. That’s a little lower than they should really be but it’s because they would be a negative if they were to win the championship.”

San Antonio Spurs (Currently +700 to +500)

San Antonio shows up on these lists every year, due to its consistent success. The Spurs aren’t the sexiest pick to win the NBA title, especially with the two Los Angeles teams and Oklahoma City drawing all the attention in the West. San Antonio was as big as +1,200 to win the NBA title early in the season.

“You seem to get money on (San Antonio) every year,” Jimmy Vaccaro, veteran oddsmaker for William Hill Nevada, said back in February. “You know you’re going to get the effort, win or lose, and you’ve seen them win without (Tim) Duncan, (Tony) Parker and (Manu) Ginobili. Any time you bet on the Spurs, you have a great chance of going deep into the playoffs.”

MLB weather watch: Hitter's wind in Oakland

A good chance of rain in various stadiums across the big leagues Wednesday. Wind will blow out to center field in Oakland as the A's host the Texas Rangers in American League West action.

Here is the notable weather for Wednesday.

Milwaukee Brewers vs. Pittsburgh Pirates (-113, 7.5)
Site: PNC Park

Forecasts are calling for a 30 percent of rain by gametime. Wind will blow out to left field at 13 mph. The under was 10-5 in 2012 when winds blew out to left field at PNC Park.

New York Mets vs. St. Louis Cardinals (-201, 8)
Site: Busch Stadium

Forecasts are calling for a 30 percent chance of rain by gametime. Wind will blow out to left field at 10 mph.

Houston Astros vs. Detroit Tigers (-332, 8.5)
Site: Comerica Park

A 20 percent chance of rain is in the forecast for Detroit. Wind will blow from right field to left field at 20 mph.

Texas Rangers vs. Oakland Athletics (+108, 8)
Site: Oakland Coliseum

Wind will blow out to center field at 14 mph. The A's were 3-0 when wind blew out to center field in 2012.

Seattle Mariners vs. New York Yankees (-119, 7.5)
Site: Yankee Stadium

Forecasts are calling for a 40 percent chance of scattered thunderstorms by gametime.

San Diego Padres vs. Baltimore Orioles (-152, 9)
Site: Camden Yards

Wind will blow out to left field at 10 mph.

Cleveland Indians vs. Philadelphia Phillies (-154, 7.5)
Site: Citizens Bank Park

Wind will blow out to left field at 11 mph. A 30 percent chance of rain is in the forecast in Philadelphia.

MLB Top 6: Best and worst interleague bets

The new interleague structure in the major leagues, a season-long format as opposed to sporadic pockets throughout the season, has seen all but six big league clubs face a team from the opposite league.

Only the Boston Red Sox, Toronto Blue Jays, Oakland A's, Houston Astros, St, Louis Cardinals and San Francisco Giants have yet to partake in interleague games, though the Giants and Jays open a series Tuesday. Still, we have a large enough sample size to delve into the numbers and see which teams have gotten off to a strong start and which clubs have struggled in the early stages of interleague matchups.

Best interleague bets

Washington Nationals (5-0 IL)

The Nationals have taken a three-game series versus the Chicago White Sox and a mini two-game series over the Detroit Tigers this season to have a clean 5-0 record in interleague play. The Nationals seem to do their best scoring against American League teams. In the five interleague games, they have outscored opponents 28-18. The Nats are 13th in the National League with 137 runs on the year. That total gives them an average of 3.6 per game. In interleague play, they average a vastly improved 5.6 runs per game.

Washington's next interleague matchup will be a four-game series against the Baltimore Orioles May 27.

Tampa Bay Rays (5-1 IL)

A three-game sweep of the San Diego Padres has the Rays riding a wave of momentum and has improved their interleague record to 5-1. They took two of three from the Colorado Rockies earlier in the month to get the ball rolling in their interleague schedule. Tampa Bay is crushing the ball, having played over the total in 14 of its last 15 games overall. Five of those have been versus NL opponents. The Rays have battered NL pitching, outscoring teams from the senior circuit by a score of 36-28 in their six matchups.

The Rays will face the Miami Marlins in a battle for Florida bragging rights on May 27.

New York Mets (3-1 IL)

The Mets have gotten off to a great start posting three wins in four games in interleague matchups. It helps to have one of the best pitchers in the game pitching in two of those victories. Matt Harvey started and won both of his interleague starts. He tossed a 1-0 shutout versus the White Sox on May 7 and went eight innings in a 4-2 victory against the Minnesota Twins on April 13. It's just unfortunate the Mets can't play the AL all the time. They have gone just 11-20 versus the National League.

The Mets will play a four-game subway series versus the Yankees on May 27.

Worst

Philadelphia Philles (1-4 IL)

In 2012, Philly posted a porous record of 5-10 against AL foes. This season, it's just as bad. The Phillies have surrendered a total of 45 runs in their five games and have managed to score just 18 themselves. The Phils have had trouble across the board this season, but their games versus the AL have amplified their shortcomings.

The Philles will get another crack at the AL with a mini two-game set versus the Cleveland Indians Tuesday. They have lost both their games versus the Tribe this season by a combined score of 20-2.

Chicago White Sox (1-4 IL)

On the year, the White Sox have posted some great pitching numbers, coupled with some poor hitting statistics. In interleague play, the ChiSox are an improved offensive club with pitching woes, save for a 1-0 loss against Harvey and the Mets on May 7. Chicago ranks 28th in the majors with a .229 batting average, but that number is improved to .260 against NL clubs. Its reliable 3.51 ERA balloons up to 4.68 against the NL.

The Pale Hose will get another crack against the NL as they host the Marlins on May 24.

Atlanta Braves (1-4 IL)

The NL East-leading Braves just can't get it done versus the AL. In 2012, they posted a subpar 8-10 record in interleague games. The Braves have the best inter-division record in MLB, having gone 11-4 against NL East rivals, but have posted an alarming 1-4 record in interleague matchups. This could be crucial considering the Nationals have had success versus the AL. The Braves were swept by Detroit in late April and were outscored 25-7 in the three games.

The Braves will try to right the ship in their next interleague matchup as they face the Minnesota Twins on May 20.

Three hot over pitchers on the mound Wednesday

Wednesday features some pitchers that are coming off of a string of games with big scorelines. Among them are hot over bets such as David Price of the Tampa Bay Rays and Mike Leake of the Cincinnati Reds that we've covered before. But we'll have a look at three other pitchers that have had a rough go of things recently and have been responsible for some high scorelines.

Tim Hudson, Atlanta Braves (4-2, 4.70 ERA)

Hudson is coming off his worst start of the season lasting just 3 2/3 innings and giving up six earned runs in an 8-2 loss versus the San Francisco Giants. Hudson's last four starts have gone over the total and his ERA is starting to balloon up around the 5.00 range. The Braves keep his games competitive as they provide him with 4.88 runs per start, but with opponents batting .300 against him, Hudson might require a little bit more run support.

Hudson gets the start against the Arizona Diamondbacks Wednesday. He was 1-0 with a 1.13 ERA in one start versus Arizona in 2012.

Wandy Rodriguez, Pittsburgh Pirates (3-2, 3.62 ERA)

Rodriguez began the season with three starts going under the total courtesy of a 0.56 ERA in those starts. His last four have gone over the total and his ERA is inching closer to 4.00 due to his 5.90 ERA since the bright start to the campaign. Rodriguez is also giving up more home runs as hitters have knocked seven dingers in his last four starts.

The Pirates face the Milwaukee Brewers Wednesday. Rodriguez had his worst start of the season against the Brew Crew on April 29. He gave up seven earned runs in 3 2/3 innings of work en route to the 10-4 loss.

Shaun Marcum, New York Mets (0-3, 8.59 ERA)

The Mets righty has gotten off to a slow start this year in just four starts. He has just 14 2/3 innings pitched combined in those starts and has given up 14 earned runs. The Mets have played over the total in three of his four starts thus far this season. Marcum will be nursing an injury to his non-pitching hand as they head into action Wednesday.

Marcum and the Mets will face the St. Louis Cardinals at Busch Stadium Wednesday. He had one start versus the Cards in 2012 lasting five innings and giving up four earned runs as a member of the Brewers.

Kevin
MLBPredictions

2 UNIT = Seattle Mariners @ New York Yankees - MARINERS TO WIN (+113)
Listed Pitchers: Iwakuma vs Hughes
(Note: I'm risking 2.00 units to win 2.26 units)

MLB

Hot pitchers
-- WRodriguez is 2-1, 1.37 in three home starts.
-- Miller is 3-1, 2.02 in his last four starts.
-- Greinke was 1-0, 0.60 in two starts before going on the DL.

-- Marquis is 3-0, 2.18 in his last three starts.
-- Hamels has a 2.41 RA in his last six starts; Phillies scored 10 runs in losing five of those six games.

-- Scherzer is 4-0, 4.13 in his last four starts.
-- Pelfrey is 1-0, 3.00 in his last two starts; Twins are 1-4 in his starts if they score less than eight runs.
-- Ogando is 1-0, 2.31 in his last couple starts.
-- Iwakuma is 3-0, 1.80 in his last three starts.
-- Bronx won last four Hughes starts (3-0, 3.38).
-- Lester is 5-0, 2.91 in eight starts this season.

Cold pitchers
-- Hudson is 0-2, 9.00 in his last three road starts. Kennedy is 0-3, 5.19 in his last seven starts.
-- Gallardo has a 4.89 RA in his last six starts.
-- Sanabia is 0-4, 6.55 in his last four starts. Leake is 1-2, 5.74 in his last three starts.
-- Samardzija is 0-5, 5.31 in his last seven starts. Garland is 1-3, 6.30 in his last four outings.
-- Marcum is 0-2, 8.31 in three starts this season.
-- Detwiler is 1-3, 4.37 in his last four starts.

-- FGarcia is 0-1, 4.61 in two starts for the Orioles.
-- Kubler is 1-2, 6.75 in three starts this season.
-- Vogelsong is 1-3, 8.24 in seven starts this season. Ortiz lost his first start this year, 5-0, allowing one run in five IP.

-- Keuchel allowed two runs in six IP in his only '13 start.
-- Axelrod is 0-2, 5.03 in his last three starts.
-- Straily is 1-1, 7.06 in four starts this season.
-- Price is 0-1, 5.67 in four home starts this season.
-- Davis is 0-3, 10.89 in his last four starts. Enright allowed five runs in 3.1 IP in his only '13 start.

Starting Pitchers/First Inning
You can wager on whether teams will score in first inning. Below is how often a starting pitcher has allowed 1+ runs in first inning in one of his starts........
-- Hudson 1-8; Kennedy 4-8 (3 of last 3)
-- Gallardo 2-8; WRodriguez 2-7
-- Leake 2-7; Sanabia 3-7
-- Garland 3-7; Samardzija 3-8
-- Marcum 0-3; Miller 1-7
-- Detwiler 3-7 (3 of last 3); Greinke 0-2

-- Marquis 2-7; FGarcia 0-2
-- Kubler 0-3; Hamels 2-8
-- Vogelsong 3-7; Ortiz 0-1

-- Keuchel 0-1; Scherzer 2-7
-- Axelrod 2-7; Pelfrey 3-7
-- Ogando 1-8; Straily 2-4
-- Iwakuma 2-8; Hughes 3-7 (0 of last 3).
-- Lester 1-8; Price 3-8
-- Davis 2-7; Enright 1-1

Totals
-- Six of last eight Pittsburgh games stayed under the total.
-- Eight of last ten Cincinnati games went over the total.
-- Eight of last eleven Met games went over the total.
-- Eight of Cubs' last ten games went over the total.
-- 14 of last 19 Atlanta games went over the total.
-- 15 of last 18 games at Dodger Stadium went over the total.

-- Last six Philly games stayed under the total.
-- Six of last seven games at Camden Yards stayed under.
-- Eight of last ten Toronto games went over the total.

-- Under is 9-2-1 in last twelve Bronx games.
-- Six of last nine Detroit games went over the total.
-- Eight of last twelve White Sox games stayed under the total.
-- Under is 7-3-1 in last eleven Boston games.
-- Eight of last eleven Kansas City games stayed under total.
-- Six of last seven Oakland home games went over the total.

Hot teams
-- Pirates won four of their last five games.
-- Reds won their last four games, scoring 28 runs.
-- Cardinals won 11 of their last 13 games.
-- Cubs won three of their last four games.

-- Cleveland won 13 of its last 17 games.
-- Orioles won seven of their last eleven games.
-- Giants won three of their last four games.

-- Detroit won 12 of its last 17 games.
-- Bronx won seven of last eight games.
-- Rays won their last six games, scoring 39 runs.
-- Rangers won eight of their last eleven games.

Cold teams
-- Brewers lost ten of their last twelve games.
-- Miami lost six of its last seven games.
-- Mets lost five in row, 13 of their last 17 games.
-- Colorado lost five of their last seven games.
-- Braves lost nine of their last thirteen road games. Arizona lost three of its last four games, scoring total of six runs.
-- Dodgers lost nine of their last twelve games. Nationals lost three of four.

-- Phillies lost five of their last eight home games.
-- Padres lost three of their last four games.
-- Blue Jays lost four of their last six home games.

-- Houston lost 12 of its last 14 games.
-- Mariners lost three of their last four road games.
-- Red Sox lost nine of their last eleven games.
-- White Sox are 4-6 in their last ten games.
-- Royals lost seven of their last nine games. Angels lost five of their last seven home games.
-- Oakland lost seven of its last nine games.

Umpires
-- Atl-Az-- Favorites won last seven Hirschbeck games.
-- Mil-Pitt-- Favorites won seven of last nine O'Nora games.
-- Cin-Mia-- Six of last eight Tichenor games stayed under total.
-- Col-Chi-- Over is 4-1-1 in last six Kellogg games.
-- NY-StL-- Underdogs won five of last six Wegner games.
-- Wsh-LA-- Underdogs won last five Marquez games.

-- SD-Balt-- Six of last eight Everitt games went over the total.
-- Cle-Phil-- Underdogs are 12-10 in last 22 Iassogna games.
-- SF-Tor-- 16 of last 24 Hallion games went over the total.

-- Hst-Det-- Seven of last ten Nelson games stayed under.
-- Chi-Min-- Under is 12-4-1 in last seventeen Bellino games.
-- Tex-A's-- Over is 8-4-1 in last thirteen Reyburn games.
-- Sea-NY-- Nine of last twelve Porter games went over the total.
-- Bos-TB-- Four of last six Holbrook games stayed under.
-- KC-LA-- Eight of last twelve Hudson games went over total.

Free Selection from Arthur Ralph Sports

Our Bonus Plays are 1031-767 (57 + %) over the last 4 1/2 years !

Free winner WED Red Sox w/ Lester

Gamblers Data

Bonus Play Wednesday

KC/Angels over 9

Joe Wiz

Bonus Play Wednesday St.Louis/NY Mets Over 8

Cappers Access

Thunder -4
Twins -115
Phillies(RL) -1.5(+138)

[h=1]Today's NBA Picks[/h] [h=2]Chicago at Miami[/h] The Heat look to follow up their 88-65 win in Game 4 and build on their 8-2 ATS record in their last 10 games following a SU win of more than 10 points. Miami is the pick (-14) according to Dunkel, which has the Heat favored by 15 1/2. Dunkel Pick: Miami (-14). Here are all of today's picks.

[h=1]Today's MLB Picks[/h] [h=2]Colorado at Chicago Cubs[/h] The Rockies look to take advantage of a Cubs team that is 0-7 in Jeff Samardzija's last 7 starts in Game 3 of a series. Colorado is the pick (+110) according to Dunkel, which has the Rockies favored by 1. Dunkel Pick: Colorado (+110). Here are all of today's picks.